Sola Adeyemo, 
Ahead of the reopening of worship centers in Oyo State as directed by Governor Seyi Makinde, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter has recommended multiple services in all churches.
Speaking in Ibadan Thursday, the new CAN Chairman, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, said the measure was to fulfil the state government’s conditions regarding the shut down occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Listing other recommended measures to include use of face masks and gloves, as well as, setting up of hand washing points, he said: “We appreciate the concern of the state government, likewise the efforts of Governor Makinde towards driving the notorious pandemic out of the state. While appreciating the governor for allowing churches to worship at 25 per cent capacity, Christians must endeavour to abide by all the government’s guidelines to that effect.
“We should remember that the Bible enjoins us in Hebrew 13:17, to obey those that have the rule over us. Now that government has lifted the ban on religious centres with few conditions attached, it behoves on us as religious leaders to ensure absolute compliance to protect the government from being blamed for its leniency.
“Our recommendation is every worship centre with a great number of worshipers should adopt multiple services to enable us to observe physical distancing. Churches can run more than three services in a day, but hours per service must be reduced.”
The CAN chairman said every member must use face masks throughout the service period and wash their hands before entering the church and after the service.
